Bandwidth acquisition in contention-based networks

Abstract

Network nodes acquire bandwidth in contention-based networks for handling video traffic. A request to reserve a channel for transmission of a payload is sent prior to a network node receiving the payload. The payload is a burst of video data that is generated periodically. A network node determines a time period for reserving the channel. The network node determines when to initiate contending for the channel and the time period for transmitting the payload to another network node. A network node determines when a payload is expected to arrive and monitors its back off time period at least a time period prior to receiving a payload. The network node also monitors transmission of the payload and adjusts when to initiate contending for the channel.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Disclosure[0002]This disclosure pertains in general to communications, and more specifically to bandwidth acquisition in a network.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Contention-based channel access mechanisms have been adopted widely. In a contention-based network, a network node such as a station, an access point, or a personal basic service set control point is required to perform DCF (Distributed Coordination Function). That is, a network node contends for the channel after a random back off period. Other stations in the network, by observing the packet, can update their local information of the channel occupancy (e.g., using a Network Allocation Vector (NAV)). Nevertheless, stations may not detect each other and send out packets to the same or another destination at the same time, resulting in collision of packets. In addition, it may be difficult to handle traffic of different priorities without causing any delays. For example, video tr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach increases the likelihood of obtaining periodic channel access for video traffic, minimizing delay and ensuring timely delivery of video bursts by dynamically adjusting the timing of channel reservation requests based on channel conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, stations may not detect each other and send out packets to the same or another destination at the same time, resulting in collision of packets.

In addition, it may be difficult to handle traffic of different priorities without causing any delays.

For example, video traffic faces stringent constraints on delays and jitters.

A station contending for a channel to send video packets may not be able to obtain the channel when other stations are also contending for the channel to send data at the same time.

Video packets, when not sent on time, cannot comply with the timing requirements and may cause disturbance in video display.

User experience, as a result, is negatively affected and disrupted.

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